If you’re a regular reader, you’ve followed the incredible story of Stan Rutner, an eighty-year-old who went from ten days to live to full remission thanks to cannabis oil. Stan is the father-in-law of United Patients Group founder John Malanca and the inspiration for this site.
We wanted to catch up with Stan and get his opinion, as someone whose life was saved by cannabis, about the shameful state of federal cannabis laws, which prevent millions of ailing Americans from getting access to the medicine they need. Check out our recent interview:
UPG: Stan, why don’t you start us off by telling a bit about yourself?
Stan: I am eighty years old, and it is great to be alive!!! The weather is beautiful!!! I am fortunate to have an opportunity to enjoy life again.
UPG: What is your life like today?
Stan: My wife and I live in a wonderful place, and I now have enough energy to think about
helping more people in our luxurious “old folks home,” all of whom have some ailment that would be amenable to treatment by cannabis. We have arthritis, bowel problems, hip and knee issues, early Alzheimer’s symptoms; you name it, we probably have it here.
UPG: Do you have a vision moving forward?
Stan: We want to help others in their search for relief of pain, etc., and a better quality of life. Aging is not a picnic.
UPG: Do you have any words for the federal government?
Stan: Congress can open the way to research by passing MEDICAL CANNABIS LAWS to reach that end. We are not looking for a “high,” and we are not taking a precursor to children’s addiction. We are not children. Give us medicine!
UPG: What benefits would come if the elderly had increased access to cannabis?
Stan: We could drastically cut Medicare costs with a simple, natural herb that really works, despite what the Attorney General’s office tells the media. Even CNN and Dr. Sanjay Gupta have carried the truth about medical cannabis.
UPG: What do you know now about medical cannabis that you didn’t realize before?
Stan: It is vastly cheaper than typical prescription drugs that have severe side effects, and it is, in many cases, more effective.
UPG: What is your advice for anyone who is listening?
Stan: I urge the Senate to follow the lead of the House and overwhelmingly pass the resolution [HB 499] to decriminalize cannabis NOW!
Stan’s wife, Barbara, was by his side through his diagnosis, illness, and recovery. She recalls the ordeal vividly:
‘Only weeks to live!’ That’s what my husband’s oncologist said during our meeting with
the Palliative Care Team in August of 2011. After months of radiation and chemotherapy, it had come to this. Stage 3B lung cancer with metastasis to his brain was about to take him from us.
“Then a miracle happened! Thanks to the impassioned research of family members, a tiny dose of medicinal cannabis (1/3 capsule per day) did what chemotherapy and radiation had been unable to do—give him back his life!”
Barbara shares Stan’s frustration that this live-saving cancer killer isn’t available to everyone who needs it. She laments,
“Those who have heard our story and come to us for advice are met with frustration, roadblocks, and red tape when they try to access the medicine for themselves or their loved ones—often losing precious time in the process.
“We find it unconscionable that the US government holds a patent on cannabinoids, but makes them unavailable to so many patients in need. At the very least, these people are being denied a better quality of life, and some are being denied life itself!
“WAKE UP, FEDERAL GOVERNMENT!!!!”
It’s not only children who need cannabis for cancer and epilepsy, but seniors as well. Allowing anyone to suffer needlessly is just plain cruel, and the federal government does it knowingly. Join us in getting Stan and Barbara’s message out. Don’t let any more seniors go without access to the life-saving medicine they need. We demand full legal access to cannabis!
Read Part 1 of 3 here – Should the Federal Government and FDA Be Sued for Murder?
Photo of Stan taking medicine by: Sonya Yruel / Drug Policy Alliance
I have the same story nearly. Google my name. You are not alone. I am so ready to sue the Federal Govt. and will help. Have documented records. Just finished chemo June 10 th.One Love.
Are we not aware that this is a Global conspiracy, not a medical topic; to think your demands might be met is delusional at best!
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When one learns the historical fact that the FIRST ban (law) against hemp was in Swaziland, in 1922, as an act of protectionism to support the cotton plantations of Egypt, one can see the true, evil purposes of colonialism/capitalism. The ban on hemp was introduced to Kanada in 1923, more than a decade sooner than in the USA!
Repeal of all restrictions against hemp agriculture OF ALL TYPES must be initiated.
The truth of the matter is simple: allowing production of medicinal, industrial, commercial and recreational hemp products will destroy large swaths of most of capitalism’s favoured phony industries, starting with: big Oil, big Pharma, the AMA/CMA, big Agri, Monsanto, etc. Forestry, Construction, Clothing and many other industries would be affected as well –
that is the true reason that the lies were started about hemp after WW I and the real reason that perpetuating these controls, or legislating “regulations to control … for … protection…
…society … child … taxes ..” is simply another set of LIES that will crumble in the floodlights of Truth that will, one day, catch all of “Society” in it’s glare!
I doubt that ANY politician of any stripe (the only ones I’ve seen are yellow) will endorse this Truth! No politician would be permitted to discuss such a “ludicrous” concept – also, each and every politician who might be paying attention to reality knows we must keep our prisons full, train new criminals, keep the courts busy, generate more misery and continue to do the good work of the Big Banks!
Cannabis has saved my eyesight literally as it is miraculous for relieving intra ocular pressure when every modern medical procedure failed and left me with a blind painful eye.
The schedule 1 classification of cannabis is incorrect as it has many medicinal uses.
Dave Piries comment explains it well.
I have had cancer to come back every time have stop Chemo ! My Dr wants me to stay on Chemo ,i sure as hell do not –I live in Va ,can’t get cannabis oil ( did for a little while ,last time they took the money and didn’t sent it )HOW Can i get cannabis oil????Please..
Carolyn,
There are a few options, one of which, if you are able to travel, is to visit a legal state to get treatment. If you would like to discuss how this is done, what steps to take and how to plan ahead, just click on our consultation tab (https://www.vcita.com/v/unitedpatientsgroup) to schedule yourself in for a walk through.
We look forward to serving you!
All the best,
United Patients Group
The story is an interesting one and also inspiring. I wish him a very happy and long life with all the facilities that is needed for better living.
hi was wondering if anyone could help my dad has recently been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer and has spread to his lymph nodes and have been researching on cannabis oil and is soon to go it for chemotherapy. I am from the UK where cannabis is illegal and not sure on how to make my own but would be willing to buy the right stuff if you could point me in the right direction as he is only 47 thanks.
Hello Stephen,
We are sorry to hear that your dad is fighting Lung Cancer. As of now, our medical team only consults with patients who have access to medicine. You may want to go on the Facebook page “Cannabis Oil Success Stories” It is a private group that has many resources.
I treated my father successfully for lung cancer that spread to his brain. I’, happy to tell you what I gave my father if that would help. I have no medical background but I’m happy to email you what I gave my dad. He was given weeks to live and he has now been cancer free for 5 years.
Wishing you my best,
~Corinne Malanca
Hello Stephen,
Our medical staff only consults with people who have legal access to medical cananbis. You can join the private Facebook page called “Cannabis Oil Success Stories” to speak with people about how UK patients deal with the issue of cannabis medicine.
I treated my father for stage 4 lung cancer that had spread to his brain. He was given “weeks” to live. We were desperate to make him comfortable. Remarkably, my dad was in remission in 9 months. He is now 84. I’m happy to speak with you about what I gave my dad. I don’t have a medical background but I believe I can shed some light on the does and don’ts. If you are interested we can do a Skype call. My email is attached in this response.
Wishing you all my best,
~Corinne
i am from China, my mom has diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer and now the cancer spreads in the brain, so can you help me how to save my mother’s life, please help my mom,please,please
Taissa,
Our medical team can conduct a consultation for your mom. Each patient is treated in relation to current medications, medical history, age, weight and so on.
Do you have access to cananbis medicine in China? If you do,please click the consultation tab on our home b=page to schedule a consultation.
If you hve further questions, please call our offices at 415=524-8099.
Best,
UPG Staff